Helsinki is Finland's capital and something of an international metropolis. Founded in
1550, it has been the Finnish capital since 1812. Helsinki's current population is about
560,000, but the Helsinki region with the neighboring suburban cities of Espoo and
Vantaa has a population of over one million.
Helsinki is Finland's administrative center and the center of Finnish cultural life and
business activity. There is a large and varied collection of museums, galleries, and
performance spaces in the city. Many major company headquarters are in Helsinki.
Helsinki, along with the neighbouring cities of Vantaa, Espoo, and Kauniainen,
constitutes what is known as the capital region, with over 1,000,000 inhabitants.
The Swedish name Helsingfors is the original name of the city of Helsinki, and is still the
official Swedish name for the city. The Finnish name, Helsinki (pronounced with the
stress on the first syllable: ['helsi?ki]), has been dominant in other languages for
decades. The Swedish name Helsingfors comes from the name of the surrounding
parish, Helsinge (source for Finnish Helsinki) and the rapids (in Swedish: fors), which
flowed through the original town. It is often thought that the name Helsinge was given by
the Swedish immigrants who came from the Swedish province of Hälsingland
Founded in 1550 as a rival to the Hanseatic city of Reval (today: Tallinn) by King Gustav I
of Sweden, the town of Helsinki struggled in its infancy. The fledgling settlement was
plagued by poverty, wars, and diseases. For a long time it remained a small coastal town,
overshadowed by the more thriving trade centers in the Baltic region. The construction of
the Sveaborg (In Finnish Viapori, today also Suomenlinna) naval fortress helped improve
its status, but it was not until Russia defeated Sweden in the Finnish War and annexed
Finland as the autonomous Grand Duchy of Finland in 1809 that Helsinki began to
develop into a major city.
In order to reduce Swedish influence in Finland, Czar Alexander I of Russia moved the
capital from Turku, which had close ties to Sweden, to Helsinki. The Royal Academy of
Turku, back then the only university in the country, was relocated to Helsinki in 1827 and
eventually became the modern University of Helsinki. The move consolidated the city's
new role, and the following decades saw unprecedented growth and development for the
city, creating the prerequisites for the birth of the modern world class capital in the 20th
century. This transformation is highly apparent in the downtown core, which was rebuilt in
neoclassical style to resemble St. Petersburg. As elsewhere, technological
advancements such as railroads and industrialization were a key factor behind the growth.
PLACE TO VISIT
Suomenlinna - The greatest sea fortress on the Baltic, which Sweden ignominiously
surrendered without a fight to Russia, which resulted in Finland's autonomy. Still living in
its own time with only old buildings, few cars and loads of old fortifications, catacombs
and cast iron cannons, today the sprawling complex houses a few restaurants, theaters
and museums and is a very popular place for a picnic on a fine summer day, watching the
vast passenger ferries drift by on their way to Estonia and St. Petersberg. It was included
in Unesco’s World Heritage List in 1991 as a unique monument to European military
architecture.
Seurasaari - A pleasant little island to the north of the center, filled with walking trails
and authentic old Finnish houses collected from all over the country. An excellent half-day
trip, especially in the summer. Entry to the park free, entry into the museum buildings 5€.
Korkeasaari - A large island in the central Helsinki, connected to dry land. On
Korkeasaari lies the Helsinki Zoo with approximately 200 different animal species.
Esplanadin puisto - It's really hard to miss this park situated between Kauppatori
and the Swedish theatre. In the summer time it is full of people sitting on the lawn,
meeting their friends and quite often also having a picnic (a must for all budget travellers).
In the summer there are often also free concerts given by local artists on the stage close
to Kauppatori, facing restaurant Kappeli.
Kaivopuisto - A beautiful park by the sea in the southmost part of the city. In summer
you might want to sit down for a cup of coffee in one of the seaside cafes and enjoy the
view of sailboats at the sea and people on the promenade. Housing surrounding this
area is the most expensive in Helsinki.
Töölönlahti - Located northwest from the central railway station, this is a bay
surrounded by a nice park (and lots of wild European rabbits!), dotted with attractions
such as the Finlandia Concert Hall and the National Opera. Töölönlahti is partly in natural
state which is quite rare in major cities. Walking and jogging around the bay is a popular
outdoor activity.
Lutheran Cathedral - The unofficial symbol of the city, this striking white cathedral
dominates the central Senate Square. Based on designs by Carl Ludvig Engel and
completed in 1852, the cathedral has recently been refurbished and looks better than
ever, with the 12 apostles on the roof once again looking down at the world below.
The Church in the Rock - An atmospheric if minimalistic church literally dug out
of solid rock, resembling a crashed UFO from above. The roof is made of 22 kilometers of
copper strips. Completed in 1969, this has become one of Helsinki's most popular
attractions. Concerts are often held here thanks to the excellent acoustics.
Church of Kallio - On top of the hill at the end of Siltasaarenkatu. The church is built
of grey granite (1912) and its massive looks dominate the view from Hakaniemi. It was
designed by the famous Finnish architect Lars Sonck. The church has both baroque and
French romantic organs and concerts are organized frequently.
Ateneum Art Museum - Ateneum can be considered the most nationally
significant art museum, and it has the largest collection of paintings and sculptures in
Finland. Particularly notable is the collection of works by major Finnish artists. Works
include renowned interpretations of the national epic Kalevala. Entrance fee €6 / €4, or
during special exhibitions €8 / €6.5. Free admission for visitors under 18. Wednesdays
5PM-8PM free admission.
Design Museum - Exhibitions of modern commercial and industrial design and
modern art. The permanent exhibit in the basement showcases the history of consumer-
goods design over the course of the 20th century, with a particular focus on the
contributions of Finnish designers. Entrance is €7 for adults, €3 for students, and free for
children.
National Museum of Finland - A beautiful classical building houses this old
museum, which has recently been renovated. The exhibit includes displays of artifacts
and items relating to Finland's history. Admission €6 / €4, free admission for visitors
under 18. Tuesdays 5:30PM-8PM free admission.
Sibelius Monument - Sibelius Park, The world-famous composer Jean Sibelius'
monument was designed by sculptress Eila Hiltunen and unveiled in 1967. It is one of the
most well-known tourist attractions in Helsinki as nearly every guided tourist tour is
brought to Sibelius Park to marvel at this unique work of art resembling organ pipes,
welded together from 600 pipes and weighing over 24 metric tons.
Parliament House - The House of the 200-seat Parliament of Finland was
designed by J.S. Sirén in the classic style of the 1920s and officially inaugurated in 1931.
The interior is classical with a touch of functionalism and art deco. Tours in English at
11AM and noon on Saturdays; at noon and 1PM on Sundays; in July and August also on
weekdays at 1PM. Free.
Finlandia Hall - Designed by Finland's best known architect Alvar Aalto and located
across the street from the National Museum, the marble Finlandia Hall is a popular
congress and concert venue in Helsinki. The building itself is worth a visit especially for
architecture buffs, with guided tours available (€6 / €4, check website for schedule). Be
sure to view the building also from across the Töölönlahti bay in the evening when it is
floodlit. Free.
WHAT TO DO
Hietaniemi Beach - It's safe to say that most people don't come to Helsinki for the
beaches, but on a hot summer day Hietsu (as it is known among the locals) is a good
place to be. Beach volleyball, swimming and various events are popular.
Linnanmäki - The oldest amusement park in Finland and famous for its wooden
rollercoaster. Entrance to the park is free of charge, all-day passes €28 (adults) / €18
(children). Open only during the summer, but the adjacent Sea Life aquarium at Tivolikuja
1 is open throughout the year.
Serena Water Amusement Park - The largest water park in the Nordic
countries with some 2,000 m² of heated pools indoors. The buildings have seen their
best days, but kids love the water slides. An extra 1000 m² of outdoor area is open in the
summer, but Serena is at its best in winter when you can kick back in a jacuzzi and watch
people ski on the other side of the glass windows. All-day pass €19, evening pass (from
4PM) €15.
Härmälä Farm - Open by arrangement around the year. A typical Finnish farm
located in the village of Sotunki and surrounded by a picturesque landscape. On the farm
you can meet animals representing the traditional Finnish stock: cows, sheep, goats,
pigs, horses and pets. Admission €3, families €10.
Kotiharjun sauna - One of the few wood burning public saunas in Helsinki.
Separate saunas for men and women. Washing service and folk medicine (kuppaus)
also available. There's a good chance to find a top level chess match in the dressing
room. Don't miss cooling off outside, especially in winter. On Saturdays you'll find
bachelor partyers (Kotiharju is pretty near to Kallio's nightlife). €8 for adults, students €6.5.
HOW TO REACH
By plane - All international and domestic flights land at the compact, modern and airy
Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport (IATA: HEL, ICAO: EFHK), 15 kilometers to the north
of the city. International and domestic terminals are separate but connected by a walkway.
The cheapest public transport option to the city center is the regional bus 615, which
takes around 40 minutes and costs €3.60 to the Central Railway Station in the heart of
Helsinki
By helicopter - Copterline is currently not flying scheduled services to Tallinn (they're
planned to restart sometime in 2008), but charter services are still available. The flights
use a dedicated heliport at Hernesaari, in the port area to the south of the city center.
By train - All long-distance trains from throughout Finland and the Russian cities of
Moscow and Saint Petersburg terminate in the heart of the city at the Rautatieasema
(Central Railway Station), which also provides easy interchange to the metro and tram
lines.
By car - Expressways connect Helsinki to Turku to the west, Tampere and Lahti to the
north, and to Porvoo and towards Saint Petersburg in the east.
By bus - Long-distance buses terminate at the new underground Central Bus Station
(Linja-autoasema) in the Kamppi Center (Kampin Keskus). The station is adjacent to
Mannerheimintie, directly connected to the Kamppi metro station and within a short
walking distance from the Central Railway Station.
By boat - Helsinki is well connected with ferry services to Tallinn (Estonia) and
Stockholm (Sweden), and there are limited services to Saint Petersburg (Russia) and
northern Germany.
